Elder Abuse Charges Filed In New York Local Court: Nurse Allegedly Ignored Nursing Home Resident’s Pleas For Help

A former charge nurse at a Central New York nursing home, Maura Quinn, is alleged to have been involved in the abuse of an elderly resident. She has been formally charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person and willful violation of various health laws. All charges were filed following an investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

It is alleged that during a shift in January of last year, a 93 year-old terminally ill patient with a history of colon cancer, chronic renal failure, hypertension, anemia, and pneumonia complained of pain persistently. The charge nurse was allegedly notified by other staff members, but she failed to assess the resident. After a shift change, the new charge nurse immediately contacted a physician. Pain medication was provided, however, the resident died later that evening.

Attorney General Cuomo commented, “This nurse’s alleged actions are heart wrenching. Family members must trust medical professionals to act properly when caring for loved ones in their most vulnerable state. In this case, the nurse allegedly ignored not only her obligation to the patient and his family – but also the pleas of her fellow co-workers to help ease the patient’s pain. Such conduct is not tolerated by this office, and we will continue to aggressively hold individuals who neglect and abuse their patients accountable.”